Citizen Advocates’ 2024 Community Needs Assessment
Citizen Advocates’ newly released 2024 Community Needs Assessment (CNA) takes a bold look at the health of Northern New York, identifying critical challenges and fresh opportunities to transform the region’s well-being.
Covering Franklin, St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Clinton counties, this comprehensive report serves as a strategic guide to address critical issues like mental health, substance use and chronic disease—while mapping out a proactive plan for lasting, community-driven solutions. As the North Country faces the future, Citizen Advocates is leading the charge with innovative strategies to foster healthier outcomes and a higher quality of life for all.
Key Health Challenges Identified: The report highlights the region’s unique opportunities to overcome challenges such as an aging population, chronic disease and mental health concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, particularly in rural areas that already faced significant health professional shortages.
- Behavioral Health and Substance Use:
- Mental health conditions and substance use are prevalent across the region, particularly among Medicaid recipients. Many residents suffer from frequent mental distress, which has led to high rates of emergency department visits.
- The opioid epidemic continues to impact these counties, with opioid-related hospital discharges and overdose deaths exceeding state averages.
- Impact of COVID-19:
- The pandemic has had lasting effects on mental health, increasing substance use and isolation, especially among children and adolescents. School-based mental health services have expanded significantly to meet the growing demand for behavioral health support.
- Telehealth and Community Response:
- During the pandemic, Citizen Advocates pivoted to telehealth, providing nearly 50,000 virtual visits in 2021. The agency also introduced programs like the Counselor and Law Enforcement Partnership (CALEP) to address mental health crises in partnership with local police.
Action Plans and Strategic Priorities: Citizen Advocates is focusing on two key areas: Preventing Chronic Diseases and Promoting Well-Being and Mental Health.
- Preventing Chronic Diseases: The organization aims to combat obesity, smoking and diabetes through prevention programs, community education and lifestyle support.
- Promoting Well-Being & Preventing Substance Use: With mental health and substance use among top concerns, Citizen Advocates plans to expand school-based services, enhance crisis care and improve access to treatment for both mental health and addiction.
Looking Ahead: Citizen Advocates’ 2024 CNA serves as a critical tool in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Northern New York. By addressing the region’s unique challenges, the organization is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents and making the North Country a healthier, more vibrant place.
To view the complete report, click here.
If you or someone you know has a mental health, special needs or substance use issue, contact us today. Need help now? Call our 24-hour Crisis Hotline: (518) 483-3261 or (518) 891-5535.Top of Form
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